DES PLAINES, Ill, Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Emergency Nurses Association supports efforts by President Obama to move forward on a comprehensive response to the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut and the issue of injuries and deaths caused by guns. We are especially supportive of the recommendations put forth by Vice President Biden and his inter-agency task force that seeks to improve access to mental health services.

ENA is also pleased that the President's plan clarifies that (1) health care providers are not prohibited under the Affordable Care Act to ask patients about firearms in their homes and (2) no federal law prevents health care workers from reporting threats of violence to law enforcement authorities.

About the Emergency Nurses Association

ENA, which has more than 40,000 members worldwide, is the only professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing and emergency care through advocacy, expertise, innovation and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA develops and disseminates education and practice standards and guidelines, and affords consultation to both private and public entities regarding emergency nurses and their practice. Additional information is available at ENA's Web site, www.ena.org.

SOURCE Emergency Nurses Association